Boehner's Test: Keep GOP Ranks Behind Him

By

Patrick O'Connor

Dec. 10, 2012 8:08 p.m. ET

WASHINGTON—Republican House Speaker John Boehner once again is locked in contentious budget talks, which in the past have ended badly. This time, he is leading negotiations after months spent quietly winning the backing of his own party.

The unruly freshman class of 2010 has thwarted Mr. Boehner numerous times during his two years as speaker. To bolster his position, Mr. Boehner has been slowly bringing Republican freshmen to his...